Issue 119, February ary 2020
FIND US ON Facebook.com/aroundpointcookcommunitynewspaper
page PARK
7
LOUNGE 2020
MUSIC • FOOD • CELEBRATION
The Around Point Cook Community Newspaper is distributed in Point Cook
page AWESOME PEOPLE - TAMARA
page SUMMER OF
14
19
CAMPION NOT JUST MOTIVATION – TOTAL COMMITMENT!
REFLECTION
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Stella Maris Catholic Primary School in Point Cook is hosting its annual Family Fun Day event on Saturday 22nd February 2020. This will be the 10th Anniversary Celebration and as the school’s major fundraising event of the year, they are hopeful that it will be the best Fun Day yet! The event is put on by volunteers - there are 3 running the event as a whole, supported by a team of around 20 who have separate responsibilities. Then on the day, around 100 volunteers from the school parent community help. Senior students also assist, and the entire school is involved in setup, from the principal down to the preps.
Over the 10 years the event has been running, funds raised have paid for outdoor play equipment, gardens, interactive play zones and landscaping around the school, which has transformed it into a beautiful, green and lush space that is enjoyed by approximately 600 students. There will be a range of food trucks, sideshow alley, live entertainment, animal farm, carnival rides, show bags and face painting. Take a stroll around the market stalls, try your luck on our spinning wheel, grab a sausage from the BBQ, or kick back and enjoy the live entertainment.
Please redistribute rather than discard this paper - give it to your friends, family or neighbours!
1
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hey Readers and welcome to 2020! I hope you’ve had a wonderful break and that you were able to take a little time out to enjoy the things you love doing. It’s been difficult to hear the news of bushfires furiously tearing through our beautiful country, and it is clear that it has been at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts. Despite this incredible tragedy, it has been heartening to see the response from the community, both locally, nationally and internationally. Everyone has really come together. Rotary have been incredible, putting together Angel Kits for the firefighters and volunteers, providing basic toiletries and other essential items. Bendigo Bank have raised over $25 million, with local children taking their piggy banks into the Laverton and Altona branches to contribute their pocket money. Foodbank has been overwhelmed by donations! It’s difficult to stand by and do nothing when so many are hurting from all this, but clearly, doing nothing is not an option. Our writers have also been moved by all
this, with poetry and articles inspired by the bushfires. The Around papers have always been about positive action and it has been truly inspiring to see how much positivity is out there right now. Continue to help each other in big and small ways, because every act of kindness – regardless of size – is a step toward a better world. See you Around, Melissa Longo
"-- %": 3*%& 1"$,"(& */$-6%&4 6/-*.*5&% "$$&44 50 "DUJPO 3BDFS "HFT
"OJNBM 'BSN "MM "HFT $POTUSVDUJPO ;POF :FBST 'BDF 1BJOUJOH #JP (MJUUFS "MM "HFT .FHB 9 5SFNF "HFT
.JOJ (PMG "MM "HFT
1JSBUF 4IJQ :FBST
4BOE "SU "MM "HFT
\ ] C': +,N":: J5+,N Q _ 9 U '45:+J,C N_"'R5X5R5,N_"C+_ ^_ _ _ _ VD_ #(8#3-_ ,CRJ[_RG_R4,_"C5@":_0"J@ _
5SBDLMFTT 5SBJO "MM "HFT
5VSCP 5VCT "MM "HFT
;E$_WO_HE_ %).> _2HL_W $%S.O_%E$_AHK._6E2HKA%S6HE _ZZZ 1&*/ II? *IB =&Y/MTIF /PT7Y&<_
3JEFT "DUJWJUJFT NBZ BMUFS WBSZ
ABN 78 809 543 573
Will: 0449 834 359 Email: will@aroundpointcook.com Louise: 0403 191 084 Email: ml.goegan@gmail.com
www.aroundpointcook.com
2
Advertising: will@aroundpointcook.com
Contributions: editorpointcook@gmail.com
Family
Fun DAY The carnival rides include a Cha Cha, Kite Flyer, Tea Cups, Jumping Castle, inflatable obstacle course, massive slide, animal farm, soccer shoot out and Chair-o’plane. Tickets and wristbands for the rides and entertainment are available on the day to purchase. The event will be attended by family and friends of the school’s students, and the wider community is invited to share in the excitement. It takes a village, and Stella Maris has quite the village supporting their efforts. Get involved!
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT OVER 60 MARKET STALLS ANIM AL FARM SHO
BAGW
Join in the fun
SH
BA OW G
SH OW
BA
G
22ND february 2020 10am - 4pm Innisfail Drive Point Cook
Photos by Marc C Scott
PUT THE BUZZZ BACK INTO YOUR BIZ! Advertise with Around Point Cook/Altona community newspapers Contact
Will M: 0449 834 359 E: will@aroundpointcook.com
Louise M: 0403 191 084 E: ml.goegan@gmail.com 3
SUMMER HERITAGE FRUIT TREE FESTIVAL The Festival is on again on Sunday 1 March, 10am 3pm at Werribee Park Farm. This will be a great opportunity to come and have a look at the rare and heritage stone fruit varieties that we have at the Werribee Park Heritage Orchard. You can select your own variety to be grafted or you can purchase one of the pre-grafted trees from our nursery at bargain prices, between $15 - $25. Look out for peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, plus we will also have apples and cherries available, amongst some other wonderful edible plants. Come on down and explore the beautiful surrounds of Werribee Park Farm with tours of the orchard, tree sales, grafting demonstrations, market stalls, maker demonstrations, live folk music, food stalls and kids’ activities. It will be a great day out for all the family. Bring a picnic rug and settle in for the day! The festival is not just about fruit trees! It is about showcasing our wonderful region, the lost trades, handicrafts and local community groups. The Summer Heritage Fruit Tree Festival welcomes application from suitable stall holders, particularly hand crafts and local artisans. For more details, please contact the organisers on wph.orchard@gmail.com or call Craig Castree on 0411 720 283. (No more food stalls.) Free entry. Enter via Gate 5, K Road, Werribee South. Gold coin for parking. BYO bags for purchases. Lisa Field
In Review
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME
I missed reviewing this one when it came out a couple of years ago, and I felt like doubling back around. It deserves the mention. In the summer of 1983, “Somewhere in northern Italy”, graduate-student Oliver (Armie Hammer) moves in with the Perlman’s to assist Sami (Michael Stuhlbarg), the father and a professor of archaeology, with his studies. While there he encounters Elio (Timothée Chalamet), the son, and the two begin a game of one-upmanship, intellectually and otherwise, as they wrestle with complex feelings that aren’t complex at all, afraid of impediments that aren’t there and admonishments that don’t come. That’s the beauty of it all, that these fellas know what they want from each other and are accepted wholly by their environs, and yet they are living in a time when being gay, or even curious, begets self-hatred. Elio works oh-so-hard to enjoy being with Marzia, a local girl, more than he enjoys the company of Oliver, and he regularly finds himself spotting church spires and crosses in the distance: God is everywhere. Oliver meanwhile, appears supremely self-confident, right up until he isn’t, and then he’s us, the viewer, who wants everything to turn out alright but knows that summer has to end eventually. I didn’t expect to care too much about this kind of 4
love story, being straight and all, but that’s the power of CMBYN: it transcends gender, sexuality, race, age demographic et al, because we can all relate to feeling nervous and happy and downright afraid and sad all at once. And we all wish we had a dad as understanding and as good at monologuing as Sami. See it with your girl, or your guy, or your friends, or by yourself, just see it. Please. Brandon McLaren Call Me by Your Name is showing on Friday 14th February, 7.30 pm, at the Astor Theatre, St Kilda
NEW VEGGIES FOR THE NEW YEAR Broccolini is easy to grow, delicious in all sorts of dishes and the plants just give and give. From seed, prepare the seed trays like for lettuce, and mix the approximate number of seeds you want to grow with some sand and potting mix. If you want a continual supply through summer, sow about 20 seeds every 2 to 4 weeks. Cover the seed mix with a sprinkling of earth and compost mix and water in. You will need to keep the trays or pots damp, but not wet. After about 14-20 days, the seeds will germinate and start to grow leaves. Wait another couple of weeks until there are three leaves and the plantlets look a bit stronger before planting out. The alternative is to buy seedlings in punnets from a nursery. Careful though, as many use chemicals to grow them faster. You can replant them into pots or a garden bed. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to also think about popping them in between flowers or other bushes, as long as the soil is the right pH and they are in a sunny spot. As snails love to eat young plants too, save your coffee grounds and circle the broccolini plants with coffee grounds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; snails hate trying to slide over the rough grounds! Broccolini needs quite a lot of nutrients, which they take up better when the soil pH is 6.0 to 7.0. Kits to test pH are now at most nurseries and big box stores for around $10. Well worth the investment and they are very easy to use; you can probably run more than 20 tests for each kit. Try showing kids how to do a small scientific experiment and watch their eyes when the mixture
turns a different colour! They can help you match the colour to the approximate pH level. Broccolini grows flowerettes that can be cut off and used in stir fries or steamed, but if they are let go too long, yellow flowers appear. They are delicious and pretty sprinkled onto salads, as are the small outer leaves. Most of the plant can also be chopped into soups or even smoothies! Cabbage moth is one of the main predators of brassicas, as they lay their eggs on the tender leaves and the grubs decimate the leaves if left unchecked. You can fool the moths and place whole egg shells close by and the moth with think that another moth has laid claim to that area and hopefully move on. You could also spray Eco Pest Oil on the leaves to deter them! Gayle Brenchley
5
6
PARK LOUNGE 2020 Indulge your adventurous spirit this February and head to Kelly Park, Werribee! Park Lounge is happening again - featuring music, performance, and dance to entertain you as the great Western sunset descends, revealing a rainbow like no other! Presented by Wyndham City - Park Lounge is a familyfriendly event that will feature a variety of stage acts + MORE... Enjoy some of the famous curries from local Sri Lankan restaurant Fusion Ceylon, while you take in an amazing line-up of artists, performers, cabaret divas and musicians. Tristan Meecham will be hosting the event, he’ll entertain with banter and applause-inspiring costume changes, as you quench your thirst with beverages from the pop-up bar.
MUSIC • FOOD • CELEBRATION
Saturday 8 February, 2020 5pm – 9pm Kelly Park, Werribee A FREE WYNDHAM CITY EVENT
PO PO MO CO will be presenting their show ‘Once Upon a Drag Storytime’ - a high energy physical comedy in a fabulous celebration of gender and diverse families, for children and their adults. Next Jex Lopez takes the stage in a masquerade of a skeleton for a quirky, noir cabaret, then be entranced by Kilia Tipa’s movement-based practice, reflecting on queer belonging and cultural performativity.
wyndham.vic.gov.au/parklounge
#deepwest
#midsumma
Yana Alana and Tha Paranas will lead you in a celebration of difference, a refreshing break from a world obsessed with cookie-cutter celebrity. Yana Alana, the alter ego of Sarah Ward, will take us to this new world of nonconformity with her incredible voice that ranges from Bassey-like to operatic soprano. Saturday 8 February, 5 – 9pm @Kelly Park. Follow @experiencewyndham for the latest updates. *photo credit: Photo by Imran Abul Kashem.
7
THE LOCAL SPOTLIGHT I think many of us can relate to local Yoga teacher Loretta Cachia's quest around ten years ago, to do something for herself. For some of us, it can take a while to find the right passion, but it only took one yoga lesson for Loretta to know this was not only what she wanted to practice, but as she became more immersed in her practice, she decided she would also like to teach. On a personal level, Loretta has found yoga has given her so much more than she thought. It has helped strengthen and stretch her body, allowing space in her busy mind, which she found improved her overall health. Having just clocked up her first year of teaching Yoga, Loretta loves watching her yogis build on their practice. Providing support and guidance to her students, many have remarked how their strength and flexibility have improved - others added that they also found the added benefit of improved balance and focus. Eat Pray Yoga is Loretta's practice and you can join one of her classes at the Saltwater Community Centre on a Thursday and Sunday, for more information find her on Facebook at Eat Pray Yoga. Sam Napier
8
9
Community unity Board oard d g Point Cook Walkin Group e.
of all Ages Welcom Women and Men Cook • Discover Point ds en Fri w • Meet Ne hy alt He d an • Keep Fit ed lax Re d an • Friendly 0am 9.0 at y da ek Every we e at the Drryy Cook Town Centr Leaving from Point ek day we Y ecinct EVER Cleaners- Coles Pr at 9.00am
9395 1953
Gardening Swap Point Cook 4th Sunday of the month at 10.30am - 11.30am Jamieson Way Community Centre, Jamieson Way Point Cook
WERRIBEE COMMUNITY SINGERS Meet Wednesd
ay ev during school terms enings, , 7-9pm. Room 3, Central Park Community Centre, 80 Londsdale Circuit, Ho ppers Crossing. We are an acapella group. No experienc e required. We offer fun and fri endship. Contact Helen 0407 493065 for more inf orma on n..
Jamieson W Community Ceany tre
Men’s Get Togeth er Social Group • Tuesdays
fortnightly 1.00 – 3.00 pm • $3.00 per sessi on • Meet up & conn ect with other loc community mem al bers and share yo ur interestss Coffee, Chat & Cr a Group • Thursdays week ly 1.00 – 3.00 pm • FREE • Come down have a coffee, have a ch at and get creative For more details . contact Jamieson Way Community Cent re on 9395 3777 / adm in@jamiesonwa ycc.org.au
10
CROSS CULTURE CHURCH ether Never liked church? Exploring wh ? life to re mo re God exists? Is the ! you for just rch chu this We’ve created and hs trut l lica bib t sen pre to e We’re her lives. how they apply to our everyday a h wit , 0am 9:3 Every Sunday at . rch chu n’s dre chil dedicated k 7 Adelphi Boulevard, Point Coo t.au .ne ook www.crossculturepointc
Point Cook Com munit Bap st Church y Meets Sunday at the Featherbro 10AM ok P-9 College www.pointcook bap st.org.au
LAVERTON COMMUNITY CHOIR The Laverton Community Choir invites you to a end a rehearsal as a guest before you decide if you would like to join. Experienced conductor, different and fun musical arrangements. No experience is necessary just a love of singing. The choir rehearses every Thursday 7pm – 9pm at P-12 College, Bladin Street, Laverton. Contact Hugh on 0419 506 689 or Caroline 0449 507 873
Overeaters Anonymous att? Do you worry about the way you eat? Overeaters Anonymous may have the answer for you. It is not a diet club. No weigh-ins, dues or fees. Every Tuesday night at 7.30pm - Laverton HUB Community Centre, 95-105 Railway Ave, Laverton. Inquiries: Marlene 0438 316 459
The Probus Club of La verton The members would welcome you to joi n us on the 4th Monday of each month, at 10.00 am, at the Laverton Comm unity Hub, 85-105 Ra ilway Avenue, Laverton. We have monthly sp eakers on a wide ran ge of topics, monthly lun ches, a breakfast clu b, a book club and separate fre e book exchange. We also have trips and ou ngs which are op onal, but fun. Come and join us an d make new friends . President: Brenda 04 09 806 540 Secretary: Tom 9742 6080 Website: h ps://pr obussouthpacific.o rg/ microsites/laverton/ About_Us
FaithLife Churc now meets in h Point Cook
10am Sundays @ Seasons 5, 454-460 Point Cook Rd, Point Cook A vibrant, mul -cu ltural, mul genera onal church of Jesus followers – all are welcome! A kid’s program w ill be running. For more informa on go to: h p://www.faithlif echurch.com.aau/ u/
SALTWATER CRAFT GROUP Share ideas, techniques, knowledge, conversa on and friendship. All skill levels welcome Wednesdays 9am – 12noon Saltwater Community Centre, 153 Saltwater Promenade, Point Cook Call 8376 5500 for info
Community Board Point Cook Adv Community Chen st urch
Point Cook Co mmunity Cent re 153 Saltwater Promenade, Po int Cook. An inter-genera onal and mul cultural comm unity church. Ev eryone is welcome! Worship Servic e every Saturday at 3: 30 pm. Pastors Nick & Danijela Trajko 8 83619070 h p: v– //pointcooksda .wix.com/ begin
SWIM SQUAD TRAINING
If your child is six years or older and ready to take the next step from learn-to-swim class es, why not try squad training at AquaPulse … Free one week trial!
0411 161 147 info@westernaquaticacadem y.com.au www.westernaquaticacademy.com .au
SEW & SEW Every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, from 7pm – 9pm Work on your own projects, with help from a qualified dressmaker, learn new things and meet new people. Contact Jamieson Way Community Centre to book you spot! 9395 3777 admin@jamiesonwaycc.org.au
LIGHTPOINT CHURCH A Contemporary Chris an Church Meets Sundays 10am Saltwater P-9 College 15 Kirra Place, Point Cook Youth Group Fridays 7pm More info call 0425 722 868 www.lightpointchurch.com
namic Be part of a dy e Club ic Women’s Serv Wyndham’ and
terna onal of to change ‘Sorop mist In ira onal women ace for work with insp pl er make it a be the world and . rls Gi Women &
omen and ojects to help w We work on pr l areas. girls in our loca a on see For more inform na onal.org er nt is www.sorop m 6 o on 0425 823 99 OR call Sagree
CHURCH OF GLORY
Join us for a weekly Wednesday evening coffee and chat in Altona Meadows. We have a monthly BBQ, as well as organised ou ngs, shows, movies, etc. Ph. Bill on 9742 6254 or Cathy 0402 667 971 for more info.
VIEW VIEW (Voice, Interests, Educa on for Women) provides a low cost social outlet for women. Meets first Wed of every month 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm start. Featherbrook Community Centre, 3335 Windorah Drive Point Cook. Light supper provided. New members always welcome. Come and make new friends and enjoy social ou ngs. Contact Catherine on 0407726852 for details or just come along.
Jamieson Way Walking Group
Kingdom Des ny Church
Free. All ages welcome. Make new friends. Mee ng 9.00 am on Tuesday and Wednesdayy at Jamieson Way Community Centre, Point Cook and Thursday and Friday at Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club car park, for an hour walk and d chat. Friendly and relaxed group. Ring Sian on 0400049395 and Tina on 0408500344. Or contact the Jamieson Wayy Community Centre Point Cook on 9395 3777 77
'A mul -cultural church, born to meet the community in Point Cook.' Point Cook Community Learning Centre (Opposite ALDI) 1-21 Cheetham St Every Sunday, 4:30pm (Dinner to follow) Contact details: www.kingdomdes ny.org.au Email: info@kingdomdes ny.org.au Contact: 0467819963
CWA nch Point Cook bra
A church of the presence of God. 10am Sundays 2/8 Hammer Court, Hoppers Crossing All welcome
‘FRIENDS OVER 50’ SOCIAL GROUP
d Thursday meet on the 3r 7pm, th in the mon at ity centre. un m m Co er at Saltwat : Contact details 99. 53 28 97 04 a nd Li 57 and Chris 04240147 5217 03 11 04 n Kare
Seniors – Point Cook Are you interested in: • Mee ng People • Cra s ( Thursdays 1-3pm) • Playing Cards or Board Games (Mondays 1-4pm) • Train Trips Join the Point Cook Social Seniors Group at Janieson Way Community Centre, 59 Jamieson Way, Point Cook (Mondays 1-4pm) Contacts: Bev: 9395 1953 or 0417 324 489 Maree: 9395 4120 or 0408 526 897
11
SHOW YOU CARE. IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH Show you care, because in times of trouble we all need to give, or receive, expressions of heartfelt caring. Being the recipient of compassionate, thoughtful attention during a dire situation, can lessen grief, make distress seem lighter, and bring healing relief. To someone suffering loss or hurt, kind and generous caring is truly beneficial and much needed in times of crisis. SHOW YOU CARE During the Australian bushfires, it’s been heartening to read supportive Facebook messages, and receive emails of encouragement from caring people around the world. To know that others are thinking about us, and are being attentive to the drought, excessive heat and fires in this country, helps ease distress, bolsters courage and inspires hope for recovery. Heartfelt caring is a deeply spiritual quality, that’s triggered by an innate desire to help soothe hurt and bring peace. This yearning to be helpful comes from a divine Love. This gentle Mother-love, comforts those who’ve lost everything and strengthens those of us distressed by heartbreaking scenes from the bush fires. TIPS TO SHOW YOU CARE • Allow your caring to bubble within and rise to the surface. Reach out to someone whose life seems too hard to bear. Extend a helping hand, share a hug, offer a message of hope and reassurance, or undertake any other supportive action that’s appropriate. • Send out your caring thoughts. Think of each
12
spiritually caring thought or prayer for the welfare of others, as being like a pebble dropped into a pond. A pebble, even a tiny one, doesn’t just sink out of sight and have no effect. It sends out ripples. In the same way, each compassionate thought-prayer you have, can send out ripples of comfort to others, and prompt caring action. • Be inspired to show you care. Let the recent examples of generous caring for our residents and wildlife from kind-hearted individuals, move you to action. Do all you can to console others through the divine Love - “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received”. Bible. II Corinthians 1:4 • Don’t hold back. Show you care. When tragedy strikes, do whatever you can to lessen sorrow. Support your family, friends and neighbours with your tenderhearted caring. Let others know you’re thinking of them - even praying for their safety and recovery. No matter how small or simple you think your caring thoughts, words, or actions are, be assured that when they come from your heart, they will be a blessing. In this way, “all whom your thoughts rest upon are thereby benefited.” Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellany p.210. Beverly Goldsmith writes on the connection between spirituality and health and is a Christian Science Practitioner and Teacher.
A WORD FROM HON. JILL HENNESSY Victorian Bushfires It has been an incredibly tough start to the year for many Victorians but I am proud of the generosity of our state, and particularly of our community, as I know many of you have dug deep to support those affected by the bushfire crisis. These bushfires have been devastating for communities, and the last thing anyone should have to worry about are legal problems. Disaster Legal Help provides free assistance to people affected by the bushfires.
2019/20 Sporting Club Grants Program are open until Friday 28 February. The Sporting Club Grants Program provides up to: • $5000 for training for coaches, officials and volunteers • $5000 to improve operational effectiveness • $2000 to address barriers that Indigenous athletes face in terms of participation in sport and active recreation • $1000 for new uniforms and equipment. For more information on the grants and how to apply, go to sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-grants/ sporting-club-grants-program.
If you or someone you know has been affected by these bushfires, help is available for insurance claims, accommodation issues, financial hardship, and other legal issues. Disaster Legal Help Victoria can be reached on 1800 113 432 If you wish to donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal you can by visiting vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal. Sporting Club Grants Grassroots sports clubs across Point Cook can apply for funding to upgrade equipment, buy new uniforms, boost administration capabilities and improve training for officials. Applications for the Andrews Labor Government’s
13
AWESOME PEOPLE - TAMARA CAMPION NOT JUST MOTIVATION – TOTAL COMMITMENT! I first met this amazing woman when visiting Hair Phase - Soho. A fit and healthy person, a huge and welcoming smile, and a great cup of coffee! I asked her the secret of looking good, fit and fantastic. Her answer was simple: “Change your mindset, your body will follow.” At this time of year, so many people are asking the best way to lose weight - a quick easy fix and, starving yourself is not the answer! In a couple of months, it will all be back again. It wasn’t easy for Tamara to achieve. She had no fitness or health background, bad habits as a teenager, poor decisions and like- minded people in her life. One day, a trainer told her to stop the alcohol for four weeks. She did. This was the beginning of her journey! I asked Tamara a series of questions: Q. What was the trigger to become healthy? A. I wanted so much to challenge myself to see what I am capable of, to push every day to have a purpose. Not just to be motivated, but to commit! Q. Was this extremely difficult to begin with? A. Yes, it certainly wasn’t easy. There were days I wanted to just stop training and binge on the couch. I knew if I did this, I would be more disappointed with myself, than be satisfied with food for a few minutes. To be the best I could possibly be, I knew I had to push through any obstacles. Q. How did your diet change? A. My diet changed dramatically. I enjoyed competing and this was now my second competition. I had learnt the fundamentals of nutrition and tracking macros. It was very strict. Q. What was your goal? A. My goal was to stick to a plan, not cheat on anything, give it my all and see what I can bring to the stage, and improve my body composition to when I competed twelve months earlier. Q. Did you have to spend a lot of time preparing for competitions? A. My first preparation was seven months, my recent competition preparation was ten months. Q. Do you get nervous when competing? A. It was scary, as it’s not something I have ever done before! It was my first time walking onto a stage wearing heels and a bikini in front of judges and a crowd. This was all part of the challenge for me, it was all so new and absolutely terrifying. 14
The thought of tripping over made me feel sick. Q. What have you learnt from competing? A. My diet and training are the most important assets and leaning that anything is possible once you put your mind to it. We are all capable, you just need to believe in yourself. With any goal you may have, it all starts with your mind, and then the body will follow. Q. You’re now doing personal training, people just want to be healthier and stronger, what do you suggest? A. My goal is to assess each person individually and help them achieve their fit and healthy versions of themselves. Q. Do you train all age groups? A. I have programs suited to all age groups, from beginners to advanced clients. I have a consultation with every client before we start on the gym floor, I go over all aspects of their ability, health and fitness history. What are their goals and what would they like to achieve, we can now plan how best we are going to get there. Tamara’s aim is to have clients feeling their absolute best, looking great and waking up every single day ready to take on the world. To see the results and feeling very proud of themselves, achieving goals they used to only dream of, and most of all, enjoying their fitter and healthier bodies and not feeling like it is a chore each day. When you train correctly, you avoid serious injuries. I wish you all the best Tamara, you are such an inspiration and mentor to many! If you want any advice from Tamara, email her at fitt_you@outlook.com May 2020 be your year! Cherie de Haas
THE FIRE John Dawson The air is thick, just like the heat, So thick you feel it Through the ground beneath your feet. Hotting Up, the air’s on fire. Birds falling from the sky. The children crying – they wonder why, The animals are in panic, They know the situation’s dire. Nature tells them - they know, There’s few safe places For them to go. Family pets reared on Whiskas and Pal, Suddenly thrust into nature’s fury. Looking to their masters: Now their judge and jury. Meanwhile, the trees stand defiant; They can’t run. They know they’ll be smouldering ashes, When this day is done.
15
THIS IS THE POWER OF COMMUNITY IN THE FACE OF DISASTER How the community has rallied together. What you can do to help. And thank you.
The fires have wreaked havoc across our state. Across our country. Yet what it has also done is shown us the meaning of community. Of friendship. Generosity. Kindness. Entrepreneurship. Love. What the fires have shown us, is that the community won’t sit around looking on, while families suffer from loss and disaster recovery teams work around the clock to battle the furious fires - and to take care of those in need. Take Brett Carman for instance. He led a mighty fundraising effort with his Point Cook Grill’d team a few days into 2020. “'Hi Cookies, there’s a smokey haze over our town which is a sobering reminder of what some of our fellow Victorians are going through. It’s devastating and we wanted to do something to help. We’ve also got a close bond with our local CFA and we know the sacrifices they are making.” The team donated the sale price of every MIGHTY MELBOURNE burger to the bushfire relief fund via Bendigo Bank. Grace van der Reit and Anita Khokhar from Helping Hampers banded together to collect supplies for bushfire-affected animals through The Rescue Collective. They included items such as bat wraps and baby wipes, which they tell us is “great for baby wildlife!” 16
“It’s so hard sitting back and watching our fellow Australians go through so much devastation. Our hearts go out to the incredibly brave firefighters, heroes and people and animals who have had to brave this trauma with so many having lost their homes, livelihoods & loved ones.” That’s Point Cook resident and photographer from Diamonds in The Sky Photography, Joanne McGarry. Rather than sit back, Joanne ran an auction for a photoshoot worth $695 - raising $400 to the CFA and Vinnies. Then there’s Brydon and Jenna from Back to Fitness. They raised more than $47,700 and invited the community to their studio on the 18th of January to do 1 burpee for every $1 raised. They managed to rack up a few extra burpees, completing 50,000 burpees (photo of participants included). A lot of sore bodies and a huge fundraising effort for the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal. Bootcamp for Bushfire Relief, a joint fundraiser by Jump Into Life Personal Training, Tough Club Fitness, Precision Personal Training & Lizard Fitness for the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal: raised over $1,400. Queen C’s Brows for Bushfires: 1$ per brow donated to CFA Victoria, matched donations. WellFit4MUMS: all funds from silent auctions and $5 per group fitness pack sold. Light & Glo Designs: 100% of all profits in January,
matched donations. My Mindful Year: $10 from every Pliary (planner and diary) sold to the Red Cross between the 2nd and the 5th of January. These are only a handful of the many creative initiatives run by proactive and heartfelt locals.
Gippsland Emergency Relief A registered charity set up to give immediate shortterm funds to Gippslanders affected by natural disaster events such as the fires. Run by volunteers with all donations returned to the community. www. gerf.org.au
Looking for more ways to help? February fundraisers
Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) A network of 3,000 personnel, including trained volunteers, working four to eight-hour shifts on a 24hour rotation. The team has prepared and serviced more than 225,000 meals to first responders and evacuees. They’ve also given $10 million of financial counselling and $40 million in emergency aid such as food vouchers, utility bills, clothing, petrol, and other basics. www.salvationarmy.org.au/
Family day fun The Brook is holding a Bushfire Relief Fundraiser on Sunday 9th February from 12 - 6 pm with 100% of proceeds to local CFA and Wildlife Victoria. To donate a prize or service for the day, contact Olivia at brookmarketing@thebrook.com.au. Address: 215 Sneydes Rd, Point Cook. www.thebrookpointcook. com.au Yoga Laya Yoga is dedicating 2 yoga sessions to the fires on Saturday 18th February from 7.30 - 9 am (light breakfast afterward) and 10 - 11 am (refreshments afterward). Spots are limited so book your place by emailing Jaymala at connnect@layayoga.com.au or text 0450 591 196. Minimum donation $10. Address: 38 Murphy St, Point Cook. www.layayoga.com.au Keep an eye out on Facebook for new fundraisers to support. In the meantime, don’t forget about these organisations who are working tirelessly through this disaster. Organisations that need your support These organisations directly help communities affected by the fires - here’s a brief rundown on what they need, and what they will do with your donation. Firies CFA Donations will help 1/ Affected families and communities (100% of funds donated will go to communities). 2/ Support the wellbeing of the volunteer firefighters. 3/ Continue the work they are doing to protect lives and property in Victoria. 4/ Help CFA Brigades fund their work in the local community. www.cfa.vic.gov.au Families GIVIT GIVIT is a national not-for-profit that helps us donate according to the specific needs of people affected by the bushfires. For instance, when we last looked, the register showed a family who lost their home needed a bunk bed, and a farmer who lost everything needed a shed. It’s free for charities and donors to list and donate, with an updated list of what’s currently needed and a bit about the people who need it. www. givit.org.au
St Vincent De Paul Society Examples of what your donation can help with: $50 “can provide food for a family who have been evacuated from their home.” $150 “can help with bills and unexpected expenses for a household recovering from a bushfire.” $300 “can provide clothing for a family who’ve had to leave their belongings behind.” $1,100 “can help those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed to set up again with bedding, furniture and appliances.” www.vinnies.org.au Animals RSPCA Victoria Donations will help rescue and treatment of the animals most affected by the fires - includes equipment and supplies for the field to help animals injured or in distress from the fires. Their Mobile Animal Care Unit helps animals in distress for as long as needed. All the money raised will be directed to bushfire response initiatives. www.rspcavic.org Thank you Thank you for your support, no matter what form you’ve chosen to help: coordinating volunteers, supplies, sharing on social, donating your business services, running events, covering fuel costs… and keeping all involved in the bushfires in your thoughts. The number of ways you’ve offered to help has been amazing. Every little bit helps. Thank you! The way you have all come together shows the true spirit of this community. It shows the passion and strength of this community. It shows the love amongst this community. This is the power of our community in the face of disaster. Cynthia Marinakos Photo: Back to Fitness participants in burpee event. Credit: Back to Fitness. 17
â&#x20AC;˘
Design
â&#x20AC;˘
Sign
Better. Smarter. Easier. Print & Signage Solutions for Your Business.
Quality Colour Printing Booklets_Business Cards_Folders_Banners_Signage Visit us on the web or contact us for our current specials on print, design and signage.
1300 85 77 85 18
www.carissprinting.com.au
Photo page
SUMMER OF REFLECTION
This summer hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been the greatest for many people, and in light of the drama that has unfolded along the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s western and southern areas, not to mention the east coast of Australia, I am not even sure I can put pen to paper and share with you anything that I am passionate about. I honestly feel I have no words that will do justice to those who have battled the fire fronts, fought to save property and livestock, or those who have fled saving only themselves, their families and the clothes on their back. Not to mention countless who have lost their lives. Hubby and I were in Narooma, New South Wales between Christmas and New Years Day, when the town turned into one of the states largest evacuation points along the coast. The township of Mogo that we visited only the day before no longer exists. It burned to the ground. We have witnessed first-hand the feelings of helplessness,
possible impending doom, fear and uncertainty, and the reality of displacement of both human and animal life. We have also witnessed the kindness and generosity of the human spirit, leadership, courage and an overwhelming sense of community that I truly did not know existed. So, this month I will instead share with you some images that have touched the hearts of Australia. The first image was sketched by my girlfriend's daughter from a photo she saw halfway across the world. Although she was born in Italy and has lived there her entire life, her connection to Australia through her mother runs deep, and this is reflected in her art. Sadly, we are in the midst of one of our darkest chapters. But what we need to remember is this. The sun will only rise after night has had itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time xx Dee Simpson
19
20
Please redistribute rather than discard.